Rules AND Registration Washington State Fiddle Championships 2024

The Contest is not certified and we are loosening our stipulations for contestants. Contestants may enter either an age division or the Twin division OR BOTH. Contestants may also be invited to enter the championship open division the day of the contest. This option is being kept open and depends on the number of contestants entered.
Judges are NOT sequestered.
All contestants' order of play will be randomly drawn by a committee member and posted at least 15 minutes before the set starting time for each division. Round two cuts will be posted in a timely manner and order of play will be the same as the first round. Contestants must be ready to play when notified.
Contestants entered in age divisions must play a breakdown, a waltz, and a tune of choice (a tune other than a breakdown or waltz) in any order UNLESS judges request differently. No contestant shall play a tune more than once during competition.
Judging criteria on individual tunes will include, but not limited to: Difficulty, Musical Expression, Rhythm, Timing, Tone and Intonation.
In the event of a tie, contestants will play off according to the stipulations of the judges.
There shall be no time limit. However performances that are overly repetitive may be docked points accordingly.
Contestants may choose to play with or without accompaniment. There is no limit on contestant’s number of back-up however, please consider that the accompaniment should not drown out the fiddle.
If a string breaks, the fiddler has the option to continue or stop when the string breaks. If the tune is completed it will be judged accordingly. If the contestant stops, due to a broken string, the fiddler will be allowed to start that tune again and finish that round.
Sheet music will not be allowed on stage.
Contact microphones and/or amplified instruments will not be permitted during competition.
Cross tuned songs are allowed but fiddler must have a tuned fiddle on stage. No re-tuning on stage.
All scores are cumulative from the preliminary round into the finals. Points may be deducted from scores, or a contestant may be disqualified if a contestant violates the Contest Rules.
Contestants shall announce their tunes on stage. Tunes will be recorded by the MC and added to the tally of tunes played.
All decisions of the judges and the contest committee will be final.
You must be present to receive your award.
By registering for the contest, contestants agree to grant WSFC & WOTFA all media rights

Judging for Novice and Twin Divisions will be Open Judging.
Novice and Twin Divisions will play only One Round.
Novice Division contestants will play two tunes of their choice. Twin Division contestants will play one tune of their choice. Contestants may choose to play with or without backup. Contestants entered in a Certified or Championship division may also inquire about playing in the Twin Division.
A 4 minute time limit is recommended in both Novice and Twin Divisions.
Contestant’s order of play will be randomly drawn by a committee member and posted 30 minutes before starting time for each division. Contestants must be ready to play when notified.
Judging criteria on individual tunes will include, but not limited to: Difficulty, Musical Expression, Rhythm, Timing, Tone and Intonation.
Twin Division contestant pairs will be judged on Note for Note Harmonies, Synchronized Bowing and Phrasing, in addition to Difficulty, Musical Expression, Rhythm, Timing, Tone and Intonation. At no time will one fiddle stop while the other fiddle plays solo.
In the event of a tie, contestants will play off according to the stipulations of the judges. Playoff will be for ties in the top three places only.
If a string breaks, the fiddler has the option to continue or stop when the string breaks. If the tune is completed it will be judged accordingly. If the contestant stops, due to broken string, the fiddler will be allowed to start that tune again and finish the round.
Sheet music will not be allowed on stage.
Contact microphones and/or amplified instruments will not be permitted during competition.
Cross tuning is not allowed on stage.
Points may be deducted from scores or a contestant may be disqualified if a contestant violates the Contest Rules.
All decisions of the judges and the contest committee will be final.
You must be present to receive your award.
By registering for the contest, contestants agree to grant WSFC & WOTFA all media rights.

WATCH HOW TO REGISTER